Churches continue protest over text book in Kerala

Protest rallies and meetings were held by the members of Thamarassery diocese in Kerala, demanding the withdrawal of a controversial science textbook published in schools.

Several parishes in the diocese gathered for the protests, which urged the government to withdraw the book.

Christian leaders criticized the state's Communist ruling party, for introducing textbooks in schools that contained lessons that would encourage the younger generation to backslide and discard religion.

The protests that have been carried out since the month of June, has only intensified its stand in discouraging ‘atheism’ and to encourage the young youths, to lead a God fearing life. Kerala’s population consists of over 20% Christians.

However, responding to the Church campaigns, the govt. asserted, it would make corrections if needed, but refuses to withdraw the book.

Thamarassery Bishop Paul Chittilappally said the government tries to promote atheism, communalism and disrespect to religion through educational books.

In a press release the Bishop alleged that statements made by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its student wing, the Students' Federation of India against Christian religious heads and priests showed their lack of propriety.

The Church also alleged that the new curriculum was part of the govt. maneuver to inculcate Communalist ideologies in the minds of young people.